The Erie Otters have scratched goaltender Jaroslav Janus, defenseman Tyler Hostetter, Josh Kidd and Brian Shaw and forwards Kelly Geoffrey (shoulder), Sean Jones, Michael Liambas, Matthew Paton and Shawn Szydlowski for tonight's preseason game against Windsor at Tullio Arena.

– Victor Fernandes

* Skellett speaks out: Veteran forward Jordan Skellett continues to prepare at home in London, Ontario, for his tryout at Vancouver’s rookie camp. He heads to Vancouver, British Columbia, to begin camp on Sept. 12. Meanwhile, he waits for a trade to another OHL club.
Skellett has spoken with a couple of undisclosed clubs that have expressed interest. But he hasn’t received an update on trade talks from Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager. Bassin didn’t return a telephone message on Wednesday. At this point, Skellett knows only one thing – “I likely won’t be playing there (in Erie this) year,” he said.
Skellett attributed his departure from the club to his different role last season and the failure to fulfill his potential. “I felt at certain points that I wasn’t playing well and wasn’t given the opportunity to do more,” he said. When asked if disagreed with coach Robbie Ftorek’s philosophy, Skellett said, “Maybe at some times. I guess that happens to everybody. … Pretty much things weren’t working out.”

* Palmieri update: Forward Nick Palmieri, who also awaits a trade, remains in Montreal, Quebec, preparing for New Jersey’s main camp. He has been training with NHL players such as Buffalo winger Jason Pominville, Boston winger Chuck Kobasew and Calgary center Matthew Lombardi. Palmieri didn’t return a telephone message on Wednesday.
“He’s pretty focused. He’s ready,” Palmieri’s father, Nick, said by telephone. Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello praised his play at the U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y., earlier this summer, the elder Palmieri said.

* News and notes: Incumbent Shane Owen stopped 14-of-15 shots, while free agent Michael Swick allowed five goals on 21 shots, in the battle for the No. 2 goaltending spot. … Defenseman David Shields (bruised right hand) left the game but plans to skate in practice today. … The Otters were 0-for-8 on the power play, dropping them to 0-for-17 in the preseason. … Zack Torquato and Paul Cianfrini scored for the Otters. ... The Otters scratched goaltender Jaroslav Janus, defenseman Tyler Hostetter, Josh Kidd and Brian Shaw and forwards Kelly Geoffrey (shoulder), Sean Jones, Michael Liambas, Matthew Paton and Shawn Szydlowski.

* Around the rink: Former London assistant coach Dave Gagner, now the Canucks’ director of player development, contacted Skellett about attending rookie camp. … Brian Kilrea’s 32nd season as Ottawa coach will be his last, the 67’s announced Wednesday. Kilrea, who holds CHL records for most wins (1,153) and games (2,088) and has three OHL championships and two Memorial Cup titles, will be replaced by assistant coach Chris Byrne following the 2008-09 season. Kilrea will remain as general manager.

– Victor Fernandes

Shane Owen has retained the No. 2 goaltending spot. Michael Swick was reassigned to Whitby, a Jr. A club, today, a day after allowing five goals on 21 shots in a 6-2 preseason loss to Windsor at Tullio Arena. That means No. 1 goaltender Jaroslav Janus will make his preseason debut this weekend against London. The Otters face the Knights on Friday at John Labatt Centre and in St. Thomas, Ontario, on Saturday.
Meanwhile, forward Justin Hodgman (undisclosed injury) practiced today, while defenseman David Shields (bruised right hand) sat out. But their status for this weekend’s preseason games against London remains uncertain. Left wing Michael Liambas (sore hip flexor) hasn’t been cleared to skate yet. He hasn't played in the preseason.

– Victor Fernandes

LONDON, Ontario – The Erie Otters’ offense exploded for five goals on Friday night.
But they still fell short 6-5 to London at John Labatt Centre to fall to 0-3 in the preseason.
Zack Torquato led the Otters with two goals and an assist. Rookie Greg McKegg, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection, and veterans Sean Jones and Brandon Biggers added a goal and an assist apiece. Goaltender Shane Owen, who officially beat out free agent Michael Swick for the No. 2 on Thursday, allowed four goals on 21 shots. No. 1 goaltender Jaroslav Janus stopped 22-of-24 shots.
Akim Aliu and Chris McKinnon each had two goals and an assist for the Knights (2-1). The Otters and Knights meet today at 7 p.m. in St. Thomas, Ontario – hometown of Brian Shaw and McKegg. Shaw, a defenseman in his first two seasons with the Otters, has moved to left wing.

Erie Otters winger Matthew Paton, 17, could miss at least a month after undergoing an emergency appendectomy on Friday, his father, George, confirmed Monday. His appendix ruptured, the elder Paton said.
He began experiencing abdominal pain last Tuesday. The pain intensified as last week progressed. It was initially believed he suffered from colitis, a bowel obstruction or a case of the flu, George Paton said.
“As parents, we were totally floored,” George Paton said, since, like colitis, the immediate family has no history of appendicitis. “Chalk it up to bad luck for Matt.” The younger Paton remained at Hamot Hospital on Monday. After his release, he will spend two weeks at home in Woodstock, Ontario, before returning to Erie. “His heart’s broken a little bit,” George Paton said. “He’s obviously disappointed.”
In other Otters’ news, the club has reassigned rookie winger Scott Mitchell, 16, to Huntsville, the Otters’ Junior A affiliate. He was a ninth-round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection. Free-agent center Phil Teri remains on the roster, but he hasn’t signed with the club.

– Victor Fernandes

The CHL has adopted two new NHL rules that will be in place for the 2008-09 season:

Face-offs - When players are penalized at a stoppage of play, and the penalty times are placed on the scoreboard, the ensuing face-off will be held at one of two face-off spots in the penalized team's zone. However, there are four exceptions to this rule:
1) When a penalty is assessed after a goal is scored (face-off then occurs at center ice);
2) When a penalty is assessed at the end or start of a period (face-off then occurs at center ice);
3) When the defending team is about to be penalized and the offensive players enter the attacking zone beyond the outer edge of the face-off circles (face-off then occurs in the neutral zone);
4) When the team not being penalized ices the puck (face-off then occurs in the neutral zone outside the blue line of the team icing the puck)

Puck out of play - When the puck hits the goal frame, post or crossbar and goes out of play, the ensuing face-off will occur at one of the face-off spots in the zone where puck went out of play (regardless of which team shot the puck)

No. Club (league) 2007-08 record (finish)
1. Windsor (OHL) 41-15-7-5 (lost in first round)
2. Spokane (WHL) 50-15-1-6 (won WHL, Memorial Cup titles)
3. London (OHL) 38-24-4-2 (lost in first round)
4. Rimouski (QMJHL) 33-36-1-0 (lost in quarterfinals)
5. Belleville (OHL) 48-14-4-2 (lost in league finals, reached Memorial Cup)
6. Cape Breton (QMJHL) 40-24-3-3 (lost in first round)
7. Kelowna (WHL) 38-26-2-6 (lost in first round)
8. Brandon (WHL) 42-24-3-3 (lost in first round)
9. Chicoutimi (QJMHL) 37-25-2-6 (lost in first round)
10. Shawinigan (QMJHL) 33-33-0-4 (lost in first round)

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario – It’s a good thing preseason games don’t count in the standings.
The Erie Otters completed a winless preseason with a 6-4 loss to Niagara at Gatorade Garden City Complex on Thursday night. Ryan O’Reilly had two goals and an assist for the Otters (0-4-1), which allowed a 3-0 lead slip away by surrendering three goals apiece in the second and third periods.
Sean Jones and Anthony Luciani each added a goal and two assists for the Otters. Matthew Piva (two goals, assist) led an IceDogs’ attack that victimized Otters goaltender Jaroslav Janus for six goals on 29 shots. Mike MacIsaac scored twice for the IceDogs (4-1), while Thomas Middup and Andrew Agozzino added a goal apiece. The Otters begin the OHL’s regular season on Sept. 19 in London.

Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner/general manager, has scouted 16 OHL clubs in the preseason. He watched Barrie, Belleville, Kingston, Kitchener, Mississauga St. Michael's, Niagara, Oshawa, Owen Sound, Plymouth, Saginaw, Sarnia and Sault Ste. Marie in a 30-hour span last weekend.
He hasn't conducted trade talks involving veteran forwards Nick Palmieri and Jordan Skellett with all of those clubs, Bassin said. But with the teams he has spoken with, those talks remain general, Bassin said. "Nothing really, nothing special," he said of those discussions. He isn't close to finalizing a deal. Meanwhile, Palmieri and Skellett are away at NHL camps. Palmieri, 19, begins New Jersey's main camp on Friday at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Vancouver, which invited Skellett, 18, has Prospects Camp, which starts today at the University of British Columbia and concludes with a two-day tournament on Monday and Tuesday at Encana Arena in Camrose, British Columbia. The Canucks' main camp begins Friday at Meadow Park Sports Centre in Whistler, British Columbia.
In other Otters' news, club officials will determine free-agent center Phil Teri's future with the team this weekend. He's the only player on the roster that didn't play for the Otters last season. He also has a sweater number (12) listed on the club's Web site.
"(I'm) just sticking around and hoping for the best. I haven't heard anything," Teri, 17, who hasn't signed with the club, said earlier this week. "I think I've come a long way. I came here and no one knew who I was. They didn't how I got invited. Here I am a week before the season. (I'm) still here – fighting."
Meanwhile, veteran Brian Shaw, 18, exclusively a defenseman in his first two seasons with the club, has embraced his role as a utility player. He began training at defense and left wing this summer after playing a few games at wing late last season. Club officials want more toughness and physical play on the wing, Shaw said earlier this week.
"It doesn't really matter. I'll do whatever is best for the team," said Shaw, who, before last season, last played forward eight or nine years ago in his minor hockey days. "I'm pretty comfortable," he said. "It's not that hard. It all comes back to you."

– Victor Fernandes

Left wing Michael Liambas (sore hip flexor) skated on his own during today's practice, his first time on the ice since training camp. But his status for the Sept. 19 season opener in London remains uncertain, said Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager. Liambas, 19, had surgery on his hip flexor in the offseason, Bassin said.
Meanwhile, defenseman Tyler Hostetter, 17, remains out with a strained tendon in his hand. He is wearing a soft cast to protect his hand. But he should be ready to face the Knights, Bassin said.
In other news, rookie center Edgar Rybakov's immigration paperwork isn't fully cleared yet, Bassin said, leaving his status for the opener uncertain. Rybakov, 17, traveled to Toronto, Ontario, earlier this week to begin the paperwork process. He practiced with the team today.
Bassin also said further roster moves before the opener would depend on any trades. "Lots of talking," he said. Veteran forwards Nick Palmieri, 19, and Jordan Skellett, 18, remain available for trades.

– Victor Fernandes

Q: How far has this franchise come along in comparison to what you expected?
A: When I look at it, I thought we waited too long to rebuild. Now that we have, I think that we can put a team on the ice that will be extremely competitive. We can’t afford to be as young as we have been in the past. That really showed (the last two seasons) when (other teams) put their top 19 and 20 year-olds on the ice. But at the same time, we’ve got a number of young players that have got to take a step up now because they got so much ice time.

Q: Can this team not just compete for a playoff spot this year but make a run?
A: I think that if we do the right things, I call it playing with the big boys. But we have some things to do. We have some T’s to cross. We have to do what we can. We don’t know if we can do it losing (defenseman Mitch) Gaulton. You just don’t snap your fingers on that.

Q: What does this team have to do this year to be able to play with the big boys? What are some of those I’s that have dotted and T’s that have to be crossed?
A: We’ve got to learn to win, and we’ve got to learn to believe that we can compete with them.

Q: How does that happen?
A: By developing a work ethic and developing a few wins at a time here, and winning key games, important games.

Q: Is there any concern that the losses of the past couple of years during the rebuilding effort has sent this team a few steps back in that process of learning how to win?
A: Yeah, there’s concern for me. Because we haven’t (won). But what I really like about it is that (coach) Robbie (Ftorek) knows how to teach kids to be competitive. He knows how to get them to compete. The other factor is that they have to believe in each other.

Q: Do you see that so far in this group?
A: I like a lot of kids that are doing that, in talking to them. I feel like they want to win for each other, you know.

Q: Teams like Windsor rebuilt quicker than the Otters have. Why haven’t there been as many positive results in the standings?
A: First of all, they had a couple of key players in the draft (Taylor Hall and Ryan Ellis) that turned out to be outstanding players, which I give them credit for. They never suffered the injuries (the Otters did). I’m not making that as an excuse. I think that if we’d had (defenseman) Josh Kidd and Gaulton all year, the only time we had them healthy and in the lineup was when we beat Kitchener.

Q: Do you think those factors are the main reasons why the rebuilding effort hasn’t gone as well, or are there other reasons?
A: I don’t think that we had the right chemistry. I think that Robbie’s done a real good job in developing responsibility and developing leadership. It’s not totally there. As guys like (center Ryan) O’Reilly get older …

Q: Why wasn’t the right chemistry there before Robbie came along?
A: It just wasn’t. I don’t know why. It could have been a number of reasons. I don’t know why it wasn’t. But I didn’t feel it. I think now that we’ve put a couple of guys up on the trading block (forwards Nick Palmieri and Jordan Skellett) right off the bat, the team understands – we didn’t do it for that reason – but hey you can’t be happy here, the only way you’re going to play here is to learn to be happy.

Q: Do you feel that group has the makings of that chemistry?
A: I really do, yeah.

Q: Why do you think that is?
A: Well because some of the younger guys when they get older – I saw (center Zack) Torquato and (left wing Luke) Gazdic and even (forward Justin) Hodgman over this camp give some outstanding leadership. I thought this is the best leadership I’ve seen in a long time. Making the team responsible, making each other responsible. Those are the kind of little things. It’s not just your on-ice abilities.

Q: You mentioned earlier that you waited too long to start the rebuilding process? Are you referring to the deal involving Bret Nasby and Adam Berti (in November 2005)?
A: I don’t know if there were any reasons. I think when I look back and analyze, the same reason you do an autopsy on a body, I should have done it a year earlier.

Q: Are you referring to the deal involving Bret Nasby and Adam Berti?
A: Yeah, exactly.

Q: Do you think that was where the turning point in a negative way occurred, when that trade was made? And has this team not fully overcome that turning point?
A: When I analyze my actions in the past, I want this stated too – it’s no reflection on the players, on their abilities – it was a dumb, dumb move on my part.

Q: Why was it a dumb move on your part?
A: I should have done the opposite. The next year I said we’re going to strip the team down. I had the assets to do it right there (instead of acquire Nasby and Berti). Administratively, it was a bad decision by management.

Q: How would you assess your decisions since that point?
A: I don’t know. I think I’ve made some pretty good deals – (former center Ryan) O’Marra and all those guys. I see now what it takes. Some of these guys rebuild in a hurry. Do you rebuild just to make the playoffs? I see a nucleus of players here that I think once Robbie gets them winning they’re going to win for a long time.

Q: How far away do you think they are from that point?
A: I’ll tell you after 10 games. I’ll tell you after who returns from the NHL.

Q: When you look at several drafts in the past several years, you don’t have that first-round pick, that second-round pick. Anthony Peluso was one, Jordan Nolan, Brett MacLean. Has scouting been a factor in not getting this franchise back up to where you envision it being?
A: I think we could have done a better job. I think that’s a good point. I think that’s a safe comment. When we look at it, could we have drafted better? I’m more upset about giving up quality people like (former defenseman Eric) Regan.

Q: Why haven’t your drafts overall, especially your top, say, three picks, fared as well as when Frank Jay was running the operation? Why haven’t those players have had the great impact as, say, Brad Boyes and Carlo Colaiacovo?
A: Brad Boyes are special guys. I mean that’s out of one draft. When you look back, you’ll see other guys that didn’t pan out. You get the O’Reillys and the Boyes; they only come around once in a while.

Q: How would you grade the overall drafts in the past several years, especially during the time when you’ve tried to rebuild?
A: I’d have to go through that. That’s a good question. I’d have to think about that. I’d love to talk about that actually, because I have no problem self-analyzing.

Q: How much longer do you foresee yourself being in the top spot of the organization?
A: Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t even thought about that yet. I haven’t thought about that.

Q: How stable is the future of this club in the city of Erie?
A: I think it’s pretty stable. But if – who’s the guy from the computer company down there that just gave $35 billion – he comes along and offers me a billion dollars for the team to move it to Alaska so (Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah) Palin’s kids can play, I don’t want you to think we might not do it.

Q: Do you feel that you’re able to do it for several years more?
A: I can’t you tell you that. At one time I did (look at retirement). I think if we’re not doing the job, it’s just self-analyze it.

Erie Otters forwards Justin Hodgman and Zack Torquato each scored a goal on the opening day of the NHL Prospects Tournament on Saturday at Center ICE Arena in Traverse City, Mich.
Hodgman scored in the second period of Minnesota's 4-3 shootout loss to Columbus. He also had two penalty minutes. Torquato scored the first goal in Detroit's 4-0 win against the New York Rangers. Otters forward Luke Gazdic didn't record a point in Dallas' 4-3 win against St. Louis. But he earned a 5-minute major penalty for fighting former Otters teammate Anthony Peluso.
Hodgman faced Peluso in the Wild's 3-2 win against St. Louis. Hodgman had no points and four penalty minutes. Peluso had no points and two penalty minutes. Dallas is playing Columbus, while Detroit is facing Tampa Bay, in tonight's games. Hodgman and Gazdic meet on Monday at 6:30 p.m., followed by Detroit's game against Atlanta at 7:30 p.m.

Erie Otters forward Luke Gazdic didn't record a point in Dallas' 5-4 win against Columbus on Sunday, the second day of the NHL Prospects Tournament at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City, Mich. But a day after fighting former Otters teammate Anthony Peluso (St. Louis), Gazdic traded punches with the Blue Jackets' Devin DiDiomete, who played for Sudbury and Sarnia from 2004-08, according to the NHL's tournament blog on the league's Web site. The fight left Gazdic with a cut over his left eye. Meanwhile, Otters center Zack Torquato didn't record a point in Detroit's 5-2 win against Tampa Bay.
In other tournament news, former Otter Lyon Messier, 21, son of Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier, is playing for the New York Rangers (his father's former team), according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Messier played eight games with the Otters last season before finishing the year with Lincoln (USHL).

The Erie Otters appear close to signing free-agent center Phil Teri, 17, he said Monday. Talks have begun between club officials and Teri's family that leads Teri to believe "that I will be staying."
"It's great," said Teri, who headed home to Fergus, Ontario, this past weekend to retrieve his car before returning to Erie. Teri earned an invitation to training camp three weeks ago through a mutual friend of former Otters assistant coach Mike Stapleton.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters forwards Luke Gazdic and Justin Hodgman faced each other in Tuesday's NHL Prospects Tournament at Center ICE Arena in Traverse City, Mich. Gazdic's Dallas Stars beat Hodgman's Minnesota Wild 3-2 to reach today's 5:30 p.m. championship game against Atlanta.
The Wild face Detroit in the third-place game at 2:30 p.m. Otters center Zack Torquato scored the Red Wings' only goal in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Thrashers on Tuesday.
Torquato's two goals and two points are tied for second on the club entering today's game. Hodgman has one point, a goal, in three games. Gazdic has no points and 10 penalty minutes.
In other news, defenseman Josh Kidd is on the Los Angeles Kings' roster for the 2008 Kings/Coyotes Rookies Tournament, a two-day event against Phoenix at Jobing.com Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Kidd didn't record a point in a 2-1 win on Tuesday. The teams meet again today.

Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner/general manager, has conducted "significant talks" with clubs about veteran winger Nick Palmieri, 19. Bassin could finalize a trade as early as next week, he said Wednesday. Meanwhile, Bassin has received "general inquiries" about Skellett, 18, a veteran forward. But even though "my plan is to trade them," Bassin said, he hasn't ruled out both players rejoining the Otters after professional camps end. Palmieri will attend New Jersey's camp, which begins Friday at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Skellett performed well at Vancouver's Prospect Camp, which concluded Tuesday, Bassin said. But Skellett wasn't invited to main camp, which begins Friday in Whistler, British Columbia.
"The possibility (of Palmieri and Skellett returning) would have to be under the right conditions," Bassin said. "Before they can play here, I'd have to talk to the team as to whether they'd accept it. ... I wouldn't do it without discussing it with the team."
Bassin has spoken with 11 undisclosed clubs about Palmieri and Skellett - "three or four teams more often," he said. Two clubs, which Bassin didn't disclose, have inquired about a deal involving Palmieri and Skellett.
"The players we're talking about haven't hit me in the face yet. There's been enough interest in some of the players (on Bassin's part) that they're offering to continue the conversation, and I think enough interest on their end." Bassin also said "he felt like he was in serious discussion (with a club) not involving active players." Those talks haven't completely ended. But Bassin said, "It wouldn't happen unless they mention the right person."

In other news, club officials are close to signing free-agent center Phil Teri, 17, Bassin said. A deal will be finalized in time for Friday night's season opener in London, he said. The Otters also will have rookie center Edgar Rybakov, 17, in the lineup against the Knights. His immigration paperwork has cleared, Bassin said.
However, the club likely won't have forwards Luke Gazdic, 19, and Zack Torquato, 19, who are expected to attend NHL camps in Dallas and Detroit, respectively. Defenseman Josh Kidd, 19, will attend Los Angeles' camp. Bassin said he hopes defenseman Tyler Hostetter, 17, who has a strained tendon in his hand, can play Friday. But Bassin is unclear about left wing Michael Liambas, 19, who is dealing with soreness in his surgically repaired hip flexor.
Meanwhile, center Ryan O'Reilly, 17, was highlighted as one of the OHL's top prospects in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on the NHL's Web site. He joined John Tavares (Oshawa), Nazem Kadri (London), Matt Duchene (Brampton), Peter Holland (Guelph), Alex Hutchings (Barrie), Alain Valiquette (Sudbury), Michael Zador (London), Ryan Ellis (Windsor), Taylor Doherty (Kingston), Zack Kassian (Peterborough), Casey Cizikas (Mississauga St. Michael's), Tyler Randell (Belleville) and Andrew Agozzino (Niagara).

In NHL Prospects Tournament news, Gazdic didn't dress for Dallas' 8-3 win against Atlanta in the championship game on Wednesday in Traverse City, Mich. Hodgman's shootout goal capped Minnesota's 3-2 win against Torquato's Red Wings in the third-place game. Torquato assisted on Detroit's first goal, giving him two goals and three points overall.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters forward Justin Hodgman, 20, will attend the Minnesota Wild's training camp, he said by telephone from St. Paul, Minn., today. Club officials extended the invitation on Wednesday night following the conclusion of the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Mich. He had one point, a goal, and eight penalty minutes in four games. He also scored the winning shootout goal in a 3-2 win against Detroit in the third-place game on Wednesday.
Hodgman heads to Grand Forks, N.D., on Friday to begin camp. Workouts will take place from Saturday through Tuesday at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The final day will be held on Wednesday at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. "The first two days (at the tournament), I was a little shaky. I was getting my legs back," Hodgman said. "I played better the last two days. I guess they like what they saw."
In other Otters' news, Shawn Waskiewicz, 32, the club's director of sales, has been promoted to assistant general manager of administration, the club announced today. Waskiewicz, 32, a Harborcreek Township native, has been the popular candidate since Ron Sertz, former director of operations, resigned in February after 12 years to pursue other opportunities. Sertz has since become president of the Erie BayHawks, the new NBA Developmental League team.
Waskiewicz rejoined the Otters in May 2007 after spending two years with Comcast Spectacor, which owns the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms. He was an account executive with the Flyers and the Phantoms’ Director of Sales. He also served as the Otters’ Director of Promotions/Special Events from Aug. 2000 to Aug. 2005.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters rookie Anthony Luciani scored his first two OHL goals in record-setting fashion during a 6-1 win against Plymouth on Saturday night. He scored on two penalty shots in the third period – the first time an Otter has been awarded and scored on two penalty shots in regulation in the same game. Luciani recorded the 17th and 18th penalty-shot goals in the Otters’ 13-year history. He tied Brad Boyes, now with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, with two career penalty-shot goals. Boyes scored his two goals on consecutive nights - Oct. 21-22, 2000, against London and Brampton.
“It was exciting,” Luciani said. “I saw (coach Robbie Ftorek) give me a little nod before the second (penalty shot). So I knew I had his trust.” The Otters last had two penalty shots in one game on Sept. 28, 2007, against Guelph. Former goaltender Justin Garay stopped Tyler Melancon and Tim Priamo.

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters rookie Anthony Luciani’s history-making stick will head to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario, the club announced Tuesday. Hall of Fame officials have requested the stick he used to score two penalty-shot goals in Saturday night’s 6-1 win against Plymouth.
Luciani, 18, is believed to be the first player to score on two penalty shots in the same game. Officials from the American Hockey League, ECHL, Central Hockey League and International Hockey League confirmed no instances have occurred, Mark Jeanneret, Otters’ director of media relations, said Monday. The Elias Sports Bureau confirmed it hasn’t happened in the National Hockey League, Jeanneret said.
“I’m pretty excited. I can’t wait,” said Luciani, the second current Otter to have memorabilia enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Earlier this summer, forward Justin Hodgman, 20, donated the sweater he wore and the game-winning puck he shot during Fort Wayne’s Game 7 victory in the IHL championship series in May.
Like Hodgman, Luciani isn’t concerned about losing a valuable piece of equipment.
“You’ve got to make magic with every stick you get,” he said.
In other Otters' news, rookie winger Matthew Paton, who underwent an emergency appendectomy nearly three weeks ago, has rejoined the club. But he won't resume skating for another three weeks. He returned home to Woodstock, Ontario, after being released from Hamot Hospital three or four days after undergoing the procedure on Sept. 5.
But after three days, he said, "I got my appetite back and started walking around." So he met the team in London for last Friday's season opener.
"I might as well come back. I've got to get caught back up in school," said Paton, who compared the initial pain to "somebody gutting me."
Meanwhile, defenseman Frank Grzeszczak placed the utmost importance on Friday's game in Guelph - and every game the rest of this season. "Every game is a must win," he said Tuesday. "We need points."

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters winger Nick Palmieri, 19, played in New Jersey's 4-1 preseason-opening loss to Philadelphia on Monday. Palmieri, who is awaiting a trade from the Otters, had no points and one blocked shot in 8 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time. Defenseman Josh Kidd, 19, didn't dress for Los Angeles' 2-1 win against St. Louis on Monday.

Oshawa defenseman Eric Regan, a former Otter, has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Anaheim, the NHL club announced Tuesday. Regan, 20, participated in the Ducks' rookie camp under a professional tryout contract. He is currently attending the club's main camp.
Regan, a third-round pick in the 2004 OHL Priority Selection, played 86 games with the Otters before being traded to the Generals in Nov. 2005 in Erie's ill-fated Bret Nasby-Adam Berti deal.
While in Oshawa, the two-year captain had 14 goals and 106 points in 166 games. He set career highs last season with eight goals, 48 points and 67 games.

Detroit reassigned center Zack Torquato to the Otters, the club announced Tuesday. That makes him available for the Otters’ games this weekend – Friday at Guelph and Saturday against Kitchener at Tullio Arena.

Dallas has reassigned left wing Luke Gazdic, 19, to the Erie Otters, the OHL club announced Wednesday. That means the Otters will have Gazdic and center Zack Torquato, 19, for this weekend's games - at Guelph on Friday and at home against Kitchener on Saturday.
Torquato skated with the Otters on Wednesday. Gazdic had not returned in time for the practice.
Torquato was pleased his time with Detroit at the NHL Rookie Tournament and main camp in Traverse City, Mich. "I was a lot more comfortable. I knew what to expect," he said. Torquato said he had a positive meeting with Red Wings' officials before leaving camp.
"They're happy with my development. My skating has improved from what they saw (last season)," Torquato said. "They said I'm moving in the right direction."
In other news, defenseman Mitch Gaulton, 18, already out for the season following surgery on his left elbow in the summer, underwent minor surgery on that arm on Monday to alleviate a case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, he said Wednesday.
The condition causes pain, tingling and numbness in the hand from pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, according to www.webmd.com. Gaulton's condition developed because of swelling in his arm following his last elbow surgery, he said. The latest procedure relieved pressure in his arm. "It will help my recovery go faster," Gaulton said.

Justin Hodgman will return to the Erie Otters on Thursday, the veteran forward said by telephone from St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday. Minnesota released Hodgman, 20, from the amateur tryout contract he signed this past summer. He represented the club at the NHL Rookie Tournament in Traverse City, Mich., and spent five day at the Wild’s main camp in Grand Forks, N.D. The Wild could have held his rights until Oct. 1.
“I guess there’s no room in the system,” he said. “Obviously it is a little disappointing. You want to stick around as long as possible. But I can’t wait to get back in Erie.” Last season, Hodgman set career highs and led the Otters in goals (37), assists (43), points (80) and power-play goals (20).
He could rejoin the club in time for Thursday’s practice. The Otters should have Hodgman, left wing Luke Gazdic, 19, and center Zack Torquato, 19, in the lineup for Friday’s game in Guelph and Saturday’s home opener against Kitchener. Torquato was the club’s second-leading scorer last season (67 points).

– Victor Fernandes

Erie Otters defenseman Josh Kidd, 19, didn't dress for Los Angeles' 4-3 shootout win against Colorado in a preseason game on Wednesday at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. He also wasn't listed on the scratch list. Kidd, who remains unsigned by the Kings, is the only current active Otter still attending a NHL training camp. Right wing Nick Palmieri, 19, who awaits a trade from the Otters, was scratched from the Devils' 3-2 win against the New York Rangers. He played in the Devils' preseason opener against Philadelphia on Monday.

– Victor Fernandes

Before heading to Tullio Arena on Saturday night for the Erie Otters' home opener, enjoy a taste of the 2008-09 Erie Otters in the Erie Times-News' season-opening video. Mark Jeanneret,director of media relations, introduces some players, while coach Robbie Ftorek shares his plans for the season.

Right wing Nick Palmieri, who requested a trade to an OHL contender before training camp last month, will rejoin the club on Sunday, Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner/general manager, said during tonight's home opener against Kitchener at Tullio Arena.
Palmieri, 19, began the season in New Jersey Devils' training camp in Newark, N.J. But the Devils returned Palmieri and eight other prospects to their junior clubs on Thursday.
Stay tuned for updates on the Shootout.

– Victor Fernandes

Veteran forward Justin Hodgman scored his first goal of the season to give the Erie Otters a 1-0 lead with 4 minutes, 22 seconds left in the first period of Saturday night's home opener against Kitchener. Left wing Brandon Biggers assisted on the goal in his Otters' home debut. The Otters built the lead despite being outshot 13-7 in the period, as goaltender Jaroslav Janus stopped all 13 Rangers' shots. Stay tuned for updates on the Shootout.

Forwards Josh Sidwell and Sean Jones scored less than 2 minutes apart in the second period to extend the Erie Otters' lead to 3-0. Rookie Anthony Luciani and Brian Shaw assisted on Sidwell's first goal of the season, with Shaw recording only his eighth point in a three-year OHL career. Shawn Szydlowski and Ryan O'Reilly assisted on Jones' goal. The Otters have scored three goals on 18 shots, while goaltender Jaroslav Janus has stopped all 22 Rangers' shots.

Justin Hodgman scored on a short-handed breakaway in the second period's final minute - his second goal of the game - to give the Erie Otters a 4-0 lead after two periods.

The Erie Otters will practice on Sunday at Tullio Arena. By that time, they should have right wing Nick Palmieri on the ice. Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said after Saturday's game that Palmieri, who requested a trade to a contender before training camp, will rejoin the club after being reassigned by New Jersey on Thursday.
“He’s excited,” Bassin said, a feeling he said was best expressed in a comment Palmieri made in their last conversation. “If I have to come back to Erie,” Palmieri told Bassin, “I’ll come back and work (hard).” Bassin said he should be in the lineup for next Friday’s home game against Plymouth. However, Bassin hasn't ruled out trading Palmieri.
Forward Jordan Skellett, who remains home in London, Ontario, awaiting a trade, won’t rejoin the club, Bassin said. Bassin still plans to trade him.

– Victor Fernandes

Kyle Rogers, an Erie native and Cathedral Prep alumnus, will make his NHL debut tonight for Toronto in a 7:30 p.m. preseason game against visiting St. Louis at Air Canada Centre, he said today.
“It’s an awesome feeling to put on that (Maple Leafs’) sweater,” said Rogers, 23, who signed a two-year NHL/AHL contract last spring after ending his career at Niagara University. “It was a dream to get to the NHL. Now all of sudden, I’m playing in my first NHL game. Anybody that plays their first professional game is nervous. But you have to put it behind you. After I get my first bump, I’ll be all right.”
Rogers, 23, then heads to St. John’s, Newfoundland, on Tuesday for training camp with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. “(Maple Leafs’ officials) said for me to gain more experience. So when I do get the call-up, it’s not something new. Hopefully if not this year, then next year, I’ll be playing with the Leafs.”

– Victor Fernandes

Chicago has assigned former Erie Otters winger Michael Blunden, 21 to Rockford (AHL) on Monday, the Blackhawks announced on their Web site. He had 16 goals, 37 points and 83 penalty minutes in 74 games with the IceHogs last season, his second professional season. He has no points and 10 penalty minutes in 10 career games with the NHL's Blackhawks. He had 100 goals, 181 points and 246 penalty minutes in 236 games for the Otters from 2002-06.

Nick Palmieri practiced with the Erie Otters on Monday, his first time on the Tullio Arena ice with the team this season. As more time passed this preseason, Palmieri said he expected to return.
"It was predetermined," Palmieri said. "If nothing had happened after camp (regarding a trade), I would be back. I'm happy to be back and I look forward to start playing."
Before training camp began in August, Palmieri, 19, a fourth-year veteran, requested a trade to a contender for what should be his final OHL season. Palmieri, who signed a three-year, NHL entry-level contract with New Jersey last October, is expected to begin his professional career next season with Lowell, the Devils' AHL affiliate. Two weeks ago, Bassin said he had conducted serious trade talks with clubs. But a deal hasn't been completed.
"If I get traded, I get traded," Palmieri said. "If not, I'm here to play. It's not really my decision whether or not I get traded. ... I'm here and I'm looking forward to playing."
On Saturday, Bassin said he expected Palmieri to play in Friday's game against Plymouth at Tullio Arena. But on Monday, coach Robbie Ftorek said, "I don't foresee anything. I just want to get through practice today, see what we have, see how things are going, see how people are playing. Then we'll make that decision."
But with 25 players on the roster, moves could be made. "I never plan on carrying 25 guys," Ftorek said. "You can only play 20. And if you're not playing, then you're not getting better."

– Victor Fernandes

Los Angeles has assigned Erie Otters defenseman Josh Kidd, 19, to Manchester, the NHL club's AHL affiliate, the Kings announced Monday. But there's no word yet on whether the Kings will sign Kidd. He was one of 13 prospects sent to the Monarchs, a list that included Kitchener center Justin Azevedo, 20, the OHL's scoring champion last season.
Manchester's training camp begins with physicals on Thursday and the opening workouts on Friday at Tri-Town Ice Arena in Hookset, N.H.

Josh Kidd’s OHL career appears to be over.
The Erie Otters’ veteran defenseman likely will sign a contract with Los Angeles and spend the season with Manchester, the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, Mark Guy, Kidd’s agent, said today.
“The expectation is that he will not be back at juniors,” said Guy, of Newport Sports Management in Mississauga, Ontario. “After what he did last year when he went up (to the Monarchs) at the end of the season, (Kings’ officials) want him up in Manchester this year.”
Kidd, 19, had a goal, four points and a plus-9 rating in nine regular-season games with the Monarchs last spring before suffering a concussion that kept him out of the Calder Cup playoffs. The Kings assigned him to Manchester on Monday. The Monarchs’ training camp begins with physicals on Thursday and opening workouts on Friday at Tri-Town Ice Arena in Hookset, N.H.
Guy expects contract talks with the Kings to begin during camp. Kidd needs to sign a contract before the AHL season begins Oct. 8. The Monarchs open the season on Oct. 11 in Portland. The Kings are “trying to manage contracts,” said Guy, referring to how many players the club will have under contract.
“Every indication is that he will be in Manchester,” said Guy, who also represents current Otters’ Kelly Geoffrey, Luke Gazdic (Dallas prospect), Mitch Gaulton (N.Y. Rangers prospect) and Ryan O’Reilly. His agency also represents Jaroslav Janus. Kidd didn’t immediately return a telephone message on Tuesday.

– Victor Fernandes

The Buffalo Sabres have assigned former Erie Otters winger Josh Vatri (2005-07) to Portland (AHL) for training camp on a tryout basis, the NHL club announced today. In other Otters' alumni news, goaltender Stephen Valiquette (1997-98), now with the New York Rangers, is starting in net for the NHL club's preseason game today against SC Bern in Bern, Switzerland.
In other local hockey news, Erie native Kyle Rogers, a Cathedral Prep alumnus, has joined the Toronto Maple Leafs for the club's trip to St. Louis for Wednesday's preseason game against the Blues, Rogers' mother, Sue, said in an e-mail. Rogers, who played in Monday's preseason game against the Blues in Toronto, was expected to head to St. John's, Newfoundland, today for training camp with the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

Erie Otters' center Zack Torquato prepares for the team's home opener against the Kitchener Rangers at the Tullio Arena on Sept. 27. Video by JACK HANRAHAN/Erie Times-News